AMI Semiconductor and Mentor Graphics Partner to Offer Mixed-Signal Technology Design Kit for Foundry Customers.

POCATELLO, Idaho -- AMI Semiconductor (Nasdaq:AMIS), a designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products for the automotive, medical and industrial markets, and Mentor Graphics(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) have partnered to offer a state-of-the-art analog/mixed-signal technology design kit (TDK) containing comprehensive and proven building blocks at the device level. This kit enables semiconductor companies and electronic systems manufacturers to jump-start their design cycles on AMI Semiconductor's foundry process using Mentor's analog/mixed-signal IC flow; thereby cutting time-to-market and ensuring manufacturing success of analog, low data rate wireless, mixed-signal, and system-on-chip (SoC) ICs.

The AMIS and Mentor Graphics partnership starts with AMI Semiconductor's C5 process, a popular 0.5-micron mixed-signal process technology widely used among automotive, medical, industrial, and defense foundry customers. The production-proven TDK enables chip designers to immediately begin creating, simulating and verifying mixed-signal or analog transistor-level designs targeted for AMI Semiconductor's C5 process. The kit includes a comprehensive set of Eldo(TM) simulation models and Calibre(R) rule files, and complete schematic symbols for Design Architect-IC with corresponding layout device generators for IC Station.

"We are pleased to collaborate with Mentor Graphics in offering this C5 technology design kit," noted Al Morrison, vice president of mixed-signal foundry services at AMI Semiconductor. The combination of our production-proven, mixed-signal processes and Mentor's world-class, optimized mixed-signal design flow will enable our mutual customers to gain more control and predictability over their SoC design and manufacturing."

"With the release of the AMIS C5 technology design kit, we further broaden our coverage of supporting specialized mixed-signal foundries," said Jue-Hsien Chern, vice president and general manager of the deep submicron division at Mentor Graphics. "Our TDKs ensure that our mutual customers will not only get their designs off the ground quickly, but will also have a seamless flow from design creation to implementation and manufacturing."

Mentor Graphics has also teamed up with MOSIS to extend the accessibility of AMI Semiconductor's C5 TDK to a wider range of design communities, including commercial firms and higher education institutions. AMIS has partnered with MOSIS for nearly a decade in making their foundry technologies accessible to a wide range of designers via MOSIS multi-wafer project (MPW) services. Mentor is proud to support that tradition by making the C5 design kit available to MOSIS customers.

The Mentor technology design kit for AMI Semiconductor's C5 process is available now. To acquire this TDK, visit AMI Semiconductor's Web site at: https://www.amis.com/join/; Mentor's Web site at: http://www.mentor.com/products/ic_nanometer_design/foundries/ami_kits. cfm (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) or contact your local AMIS or Mentor representatives directly. MOSIS customers may contact MOSIS directly (http://www.mosis.org/AMIS/) to access the kit.

About AMI Semiconductor

AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world. As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the optimal value, quickest time-to-market semiconductor solutions. Offering unparalleled manufacturing flexibility and dedication to customer service, AMI Semiconductor operates globally with headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho, European corporate offices in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and a network of sales and design centers located in the key markets of North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. For more information please visit the AMIS Web site at www.amis.com.

About Mentor Graphics

Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world's most successful electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of about $700 million and employs approximately 3,950 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. World Wide Web site: http://www.mentor.com/.